LIA LOVES... THEATRE. DANCE. CULTURE. EVENTS.
Follow her adventures as Adelaide's premier theatre buff, arts contributor, educator and ambassador!
February 21, 2026
‘Funny, furious and quietly tender – Too Tired to Smash (Patriarchy) is the show for anyone who cares deeply and is absolutely exhausted by it’ ‘Millicent Sarre turns modern exhaustion into sharp, disarming comedy – equal parts manifesto, meltdown and much-needed exhale.’ There’s something deeply comforting about a show that doesn’t pretend to have all the answers and Millicent Sarre’s Too Tired to Smash (Patriarchy) wears that uncertainty proudly. This is comedy-cabaret for the quietly furious, the chronically online, the politically aware but emotionally spent. And honestly? It hits right where it hurts. Presented as part of the Adelaide Fringe, Sarre’s show unfolds like a late-night voice memo sent to the group chat; candid, clever, and slightly unhinged in the best way. The premise is refreshingly simple: the patriarchy is still standing, dismantling it feels overwhelming, and sometimes you’re just… tired. From there, Sarre builds a tightly structured, emotionally intelligent hour that balances satire, sincerity, and a surprising amount of heart. Musically, the show is smart, sharp, and deliberately off-kilter, mirroring the experience of moving […]
February 13, 2026
‘A blistering, heart-shattering revival that proves The Normal Heart is not history – it’s a warning.’ Every now and then, a piece of theatre comes along that doesn’t simply move you, it collides with you. It lands like a slap to the face and leaves the sting long after you’ve left your seat. Larry Kramer’s The Normal Heart is that kind of play. And Sydney Theatre Company’s revival proves, once again, why it remains devastatingly urgent. Having seen a previous incarnation of this work, I arrived knowing the blows it delivers. I was not prepared, however, for how freshly, and frighteningly, they would land in 2026. Kramer, founder of Gay Men’s Health Crisis in 1981 and ACT UP in 1987, channelled his rage, grief and relentless advocacy into this largely autobiographical work. Premiering Off-Broadway in 1985 to acclaim and controversy, it charts the rise of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in New York between 1981 and 1984 through the eyes of writer and activist Alexander ‘Ned’ Weeks and the circle orbiting him. Under the stewardship of the […]
January 31, 2026
There’s something quietly thrilling about watching a company find its feet, and then realise it can run. With The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Funk Soul Productions confirm that their early works were no fluke. Following the buzzy success of The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals, it’s clear this team is building something special: smart, joyful, actor-driven theatre with heart to spare. Gracie Greenrod’s direction leans into the musical’s greatest strength and its ability to be riotously funny one moment and unexpectedly tender the next. The tone is deftly handled, allowing the show’s improv-friendly chaos to bubble while still grounding each character in emotional truth. Under Immi Beattie’s musical direction, the score is crisp, playful and beautifully balanced, with lyrics landing cleanly and harmonies glowing. Allycia Angeles’ choreography is light on its feet and character-specific, enhancing the storytelling rather than overpowering it; exactly as this show demands. As Rona Lisa Peretti (and Olive’s mum), Ruby Pinkerton brings warmth and polish, delivering “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” and “My Favourite Moment of the […]
January 26, 2026
Homegrown Musicals Australia’s Adelaide Things feels less like a showcase and more like a love letter to new Australian writing, to artists backing artists, and to the messy, funny, heartfelt act of making musical theatre right here, right now. It’s warm, generous, and bursting with creative intent, offering audiences a rare glimpse into works in development alongside songs already finding their feet in the wider world. Guiding us through the evening are Phoebe Rodger and Ryan Murphy, who strike a welcoming, playful balance as hosts. There’s an ease to their banter that sets the tone, relaxed, inclusive, and deeply invested in the stories being shared. They open the night with “Miss C”, a warmly observed and affectionate song about one of Rodger’s teachers, setting the spirit of the evening with humour, gratitude, and personal storytelling. Rodger returns in Act 2 with “Phoebs, You’re A Lesbian”, a sharp, self-aware number from her upcoming cabaret debuting at the Adelaide Fringe. It’s funny, honest, unapologetically specific, and emblematic of the voices Homegrown exists to amplify. The writing talent […]
January 24, 2026
Adelaide Youth Theatre tackling Les Misérables is no small feat, and under the thoughtful direction of Matt Smith, this production meets the challenge with heart, ambition, and a clear respect for the material. From the opening bars of “Look Down”, it’s evident this is a company unafraid to trust young performers with one of musical theatre’s most demanding scores and weightiest stories. At the centre of the production is Mat Monti as Jean Valjean, whose seasoned performance provides a strong and steady anchor for the cast. Their delivery of “What Have I Done?” establishes Valjean’s moral journey with clarity and restraint, while “Bring Him Home” is sung with controlled simplicity and emotional honesty. Monti’s professional assurance gives the production a sense of security, allowing the surrounding young performers to flourish. Opposite them, Andrew Crispe’s Javert is equally assured and disciplined. His vocal authority is immediately evident in “Stars”, where his unwavering tone and composure perfectly reflect Javert’s rigid worldview. Crispe’s experience brings weight and inevitability to the role, providing a strong dramatic counterpoint throughout, particularly […]
January 17, 2026
Pelican Productions has truly perfected the art of large-scale youth musical theatre, and MTC Rise Up is yet another triumphant showcase of what can be achieved when passion, discipline and opportunity collide. Each year, approximately 200 students from across South Australia give up two weeks of their summer holidays to immerse themselves in musical theatre, and the results are nothing short of extraordinary. In actual fact, the rehearsals span just 10 days, so park that thought as you read on… With an exceptional team of instructors and mentors at the helm, Pelican Productions directors Jen Frith and Kylie Green bring carefully curated excerpts from some of the most loved contemporary and classic musicals to the stage. This approach allows performers to stretch their skills across acting, singing and dance, and Rise Up delivers on every level. With multiple casts performing, I had the pleasure of watching West End, and from the opening moments it was clear just how much growth had taken place over the fortnight. The production moved seamlessly between senior and junior groups, […]
January 9, 2026
Cirque Alice, from the producers of The Illusionists, feels like tumbling headfirst down the rabbit hole and landing somewhere deliciously unhinged, beautifully precise, and joyfully theatrical, the kind of night that reminds you why live performance still has the power to astonish. At the centre of it all is Layla Schillert as Alice, wide-eyed, warm and wonderfully grounded. She anchors the chaos with a quiet confidence and sensational vocals, guiding us through this surreal world without ever overplaying it. Her Alice isn’t just a spectator; she’s our way in, our emotional compass as logic bends and spectacle takes over. If there’s one figure who threatens to steal the show entirely, it’s Paul Debek’s Mad Hatter; a magician of rare presence and comic timing. Every entrance lands, every trick is layered with character, and his mischievous rapport with the audience is irresistible. He doesn’t just perform magic; he inhabits it. The cast around him is stacked with delights. Darius Thompson’s White Rabbit, violin in hand, scurries and soars in equal measure, threading music through movement with […]
October 27, 2025
There’s something beautifully full-circle about watching the next generation of musical theatre artists take the stage. Wide-eyed, fearless, and ready to show us exactly what they see from here. Homegrown Musicals Australia, together with the third-year graduating cohort of ECMT, delivered just that; a heartfelt, vibrant, and joyously unpolished celebration of Australian storytelling and student artistry. From the very first note, the night felt authentic – a reminder that musical theatre at its best isn’t just about high kicks and big notes, but connection. Under the guidance of the Homegrown Musicals team of Ben Nicholson and Nick Hedger, the showcase gave each performer space to shine, and shine they did, performing original Australian songs from Australian composers. Joey Haenen’s performance of ‘Isolated’ from Tragic was a standout moment. Raw, introspective, and emotionally anchored, Haenen sang with a vulnerability that cut straight through. No showy tricks, no overreach – just truth. It was the kind of performance that makes you stop fidgeting in your seat and really listen. Then came Ellie Esdene McMahon, giving us her […]
October 17, 2025
William Finn’s Elegies: A Song Cycle is a tender, funny, and deeply human reflection on love, loss, and memory, and in what is possibly the first performance of this work since Finn’s passing, the 2nd Year Music Theatre students of the Elder Conservatorium (ECMT) honour his legacy with grace, intelligence, and heart. Under the thoughtful direction and choreography of Joseph Simons, and with musical direction by Nick Hedger, this production radiates authenticity and emotional maturity well beyond the students’ years. Housed in the Little Theatre, this intimate venue feels tailor-made for Finn’s song cycle – close enough for the audience to see every flicker of emotion, every breath between notes. The space itself becomes part of the storytelling, allowing the music and memories to wash over the audience with gentle immediacy. From the opening number, ‘Looking Up Quintet’, the company establishes a tone of candid joy and bittersweet nostalgia. Finn’s music is famously intricate, full of unexpected harmonies, complex transitions, and emotional turns, but under Hedger’s expert guidance, the ensemble moves through it with clarity […]
October 11, 2025
What if Juliet didn’t die? What if she grabbed the quill and rewrote her own story? Northern Light Theatre Company – Adelaide’s premier community theatre company – poses that very question with their bold, glitter-soaked, heart-thumping production of &Juliet. Under the direction of the ever-assured Ceri Hutton, this show bursts to life with energy, emotion, and empowerment in equal measure. Hutton’s direction is crisp and confident, marrying West End polish with the warmth and inclusivity that defines great community theatre. Every choice, from the neon-splashed visuals to the razor-sharp pacing, feels intentional and alive, celebrating individuality while keeping the audience grinning from start to finish. Musical Director Billy St John steers the pop powerhouse score with finesse. Every Max Martin hit lands with irresistible punch, and the band supports the vocals beautifully – propelling the show forward with rhythm, colour, and verve. The choreography, courtesy of the mother-daughter dream team Kerreanne Sarti and Shenayde Patterson, is a total show-stealer. Their routines are fresh, fearless, and flawlessly executed — blending fierce commercial edge with storytelling heart. […]
October 6, 2025
The graduating class of the Elder Conservatorium Music Theatre program have delivered a slick, razor-sharp and joyously self-aware production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying – a show that’s as much about ambition and charm as it is about perfect comic timing. Under the assured direction of Erin James, this 2025 cohort proves they’re more than ready to trade the classroom for the main stage of Australia’s musical theatre industry. From the moment Matt Hawke’s J. Pierrepont Finch steps into the spotlight, book in hand and gleam in eye, it’s clear we’re in capable hands. Hawke’s Finch is a magnetic blend of guile and good humour; he balances the character’s opportunistic edge with irresistible charisma, making every scheme feel like a song-and-dance masterclass. Opposite him, Ellie Esdene McMahon’s Rosemary is a picture of poised sincerity. Her voice glows with warmth and clarity, grounding the satire with heart and hope, especially in ‘Happy to Keep His Dinner Warm.’ Billie-Rose Russell’s Smitty brings comic brilliance and quick wit to every moment, her chemistry with […]
September 27, 2025
Opening night of Cats the Musical at Her Majesty’s Theatre Adelaide was always going to be a moment of high anticipation. For some in the audience, this show carries four decades of memories, while for others, it was the first encounter with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical built on the whimsical verses of T. S. Eliot. This 40th Anniversary Australian tour did not set out to reinvent the show, but rather to celebrate it with respect, polish and a touch of feline daring, and on Thursday night, the company delivered a production that was both nostalgic and alive with energy. The transformation of Her Majesty’s Theatre into a moonlit junkyard was immediately effective. John Napier’s original design gave the Adelaide stage a sense of vast scale, filled with scaffolding, nooks and mysterious corners where cats could emerge, vanish and prowl. The lighting, credited to Howard Eaton with associate Matthew Tunchon, often deepened the mystery with smoky pools and sudden shafts of illumination, though at times the dimness veiled the performers’ faces a little too much, swallowing […]
August 31, 2025
If you thought We Will Rock You was just a jukebox musical stitched together with Queen’s greatest hits, think again. Pelican Productions have supercharged this cult favourite with a rebellious spark, creating a show that felt like a rock concert colliding headlong with polished youth theatre. Director Vanessa Lee Shirley led with a clear vision, balancing Ben Elton’s playful script with genuine emotion and an abundance of spectacle. Pelican has long been a powerhouse in Adelaide’s youth theatre community, known for staging musicals that rival professional companies. This production proved exactly why, delivering a polished and exhilarating night that showcased the extraordinary depth of local talent. From the opening thunderclap under the musical direction of Michael Griffiths, who was in the original Australian touring show, the music roared with precision and drive. Griffiths ensured Queen’s anthems retained their grandeur without ever overwhelming the singers. Carla Papa’s choreography pulsed with vitality, matching the rhythms of the score while weaving in clever details that gave the ensemble moments of individuality. The movement was bold, expressive and constantly […]
August 9, 2025
If there’s one thing that can brighten a winter’s night faster than a spoonful of sugar, it’s Scotch College’s utterly charming production of Disney’s Mary Poppins the Musical. Directed with a mix of polish and playfulness by Melissa Sheldon and Stephanie Thompson (who also brought her signature flair to the choreography), this was a show that floated into the audience’s hearts with a twinkle in its eye and a skip in its step. From the moment the orchestra struck the first chord under the assured baton of music director Martin Cheney, we knew we were in good hands. Cheney drew out all the richness and sparkle in the Sherman brothers’ iconic score, balancing lush, full-company numbers with moments of gentle intimacy. Lucy Stirling was Mary Poppins – practically perfect in every way. With crystal-clear vocals, razor-sharp timing, and a poise that never faltered, she sailed through the Banks family’s troubles with the grace of a kite on a breezy day. Her chemistry with Asher Gordon’s endlessly likeable Bert was delightful; Gordon charmed the audience with […]
July 12, 2025
Laugh-out-loud one moment, heartbreakingly beautiful the next – Kimberly Akimbo is pure magic. This Australian premiere of Kimberly Akimbo is proof that some stories have no boundaries – and, if they land in the right hands, they take hold and become something new, yet deeply moving. Under the inspired direction of Mitchell Butel, this offbeat treasure unfolds with a pitch-perfect balance of tenderness, surprise, emotional richness and a touch of lovely chaos that couldn’t be more at home on an Australian stage. At the centre of it is Marina Prior as Kimberly – a casting choice that delights and surprises at every turn. Prior brings to Kimberly the warmth, mischief and painful vulnerability that make this improbable teenage hero so indelible. Seeing her navigate the craziness of a life lived too quickly – first love, lousy parents, an actually criminal aunt – is by turns hilarious and heartbreaking. She’s aided by a great ensemble who balance out the show’s goofy humour with genuine pathos. Darcy Wain is adorably awkward, earnest and incredible as Seth, Kimberly’s […]
June 22, 2025
A Quarter-Century of Camp, Class and Cabaret Chaos – Sharp enough to cut a corset! The Adelaide Cabaret Festival turned 25 – and like any true cabaret queen hitting a milestone, she threw a party bursting with sequins, sass, and sentimental swan songs. Held at the Festival Theatre, the silver jubilee celebration wasn’t just a showcase – it was a glitterbomb of gratitude, cheek, and community spirit. Who better to host than the indefatigably fabulous Virginia Gay, who tore into the evening with her signature blend of literary sharpness and musical mischief. Part emcee, part birthday cake with legs, Gay commanded the stage in a strappy number dripping with sensuality and self-aware smut. With that, she lit the fuse, and the party exploded into full gear. Gillian Cosgriff, armed with her piano, wickedly clever lyrics and dressed as a self-described grown up, goth Madeline, delivered a song so funny and frighteningly relatable, the audience laughed in guilty recognition. Her wit hits like a velvet sledgehammer – charming you first, then knocking you over. A ‘guess […]
June 22, 2025
A Show So Big, It Needs Its Own Safety Warning If cabaret were a weapon, Reuben Kaye would be a fully loaded glitter cannon aimed squarely at your expectations, your politics, and your heterosexual comfort zone. With enGORGEd XXL, he doesn’t so much break the fourth wall as kick it down in $4,000 six-inch heels and kiss the rubble. This isn’t a show – it’s a feast of ferocity: oversized, outrageous, and pulsing with charisma. The title doesn’t pull any punches, neither does Kaye. The moment he walks onstage before an 18-piece orchestra worthy of a Marvel finale, helmed by composer and music director extraordinaire Shanon Whitelock, you know you’re in for big band, big personality, and even bigger truths. Reuben performs like a drag queen fired from a confetti cannon – glam, loud, and striking its target dead-on. Nothing, from systemic oppression to Elon Musk’s cosmetic catastrophes, is off-limits and no punchline over-dressed. Meow… Among the emotional highlight reels is a tale of his childhood bully, reimagined with wicked humour as a monologue that […]
June 16, 2025
Late nights at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival have always held the promise of a little mischief and a lot of magic – and this year, Gillian Cosgriff has brought both in spades with There is Nothing Like a Game!. Equal parts game show, variety hour, and cheeky party, Cosgriff’s newest late-night foray is the perfect way to keep festival vibes buzzing well after bedtime. From the second she leaps on stage, Cosgriff reminds us all why she’s a festival favourite. Her sharp wit, relaxed charm and infectious silliness have the audience in the palm of her hand. She takes a straightforward idea – grown-ups playing silly games for the sheer fun of it – and turns it into a hilarious 90 minutes of laughter, nostalgia and surprise celebrity antics. Audience participation is the show’s lifeblood, and Cosgriff is a genius at encouraging even the shyest punter to shout out answers and barrack for their mates. Opening night highlights involved a desperate free-for-all to recall the birth order of the Von Trapp kids and a side-splittingly […]
June 16, 2025
Bobby Fox, or ‘Mr Kicks’ as he affectionately calls himself, delivered a masterclass in rhythm, charm, and sheer talent in Mr Entertainment. Supported by a dynamic eight-piece band, he burst onto the stage with a five-minute tap extravaganza, immediately pulling the audience into his world. From the start, it was clear – this wasn’t just a performance; it was a celebration of rhythm and storytelling. Fox’s second number, a rumba-infused rendition of ‘I Could Have Danced All Night’, was a standout, showcasing his jazz sensibilities and leading into an electrifying tap trade-off with the pianist. He later paid tribute to the legendary Sammy Davis Jr. with ‘Song and Dance Man’, delivering an emotionally charged combination of tap and vocals that resonated deeply. ‘Mr Bojangles’ followed, with a stellar arrangement by James Earl and the band, further solidifying Fox’s ability to captivate through movement. His smooth vocals shone in ‘My Eyes Adore You’, presenting a personal interpretation of the classic, but it was his heartfelt dedication of ‘Danny Boy’ to his ailing father that became one […]
June 7, 2025
St Peter’s Girls’ School took on Newsies the Musical with enthusiasm, heart, and a clear sense of purpose. Based on the 1992 Disney film and inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City, Newsies follows Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy who dreams of a better life beyond the city streets. When publishing giants Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies a group of young workers to take a stand. With help from aspiring journalist Katherine Plumber, the newsies band together in a strike for justice. Filled with rousing anthems, spirited choreography, and themes of unity and resilience, the musical celebrates the power of young voices to ignite change. Directed and produced by Katherine Kitching, this production balanced large ensemble numbers with more intimate character moments, allowing space for both storytelling and spectacle. Kate Burnett’s choreography injected vitality into the show, with group numbers like “Seize the Day” and “King of New York” performed with spirit and commitment. While there were some timing inconsistencies […]
May 22, 2024
Symphonie of the Bicycle by Hew Parham is a captivating theatrical production that intertwines physical theatre, multimedia, and narrative storytelling to celebrate the joy, history, and cultural impact of bicycles and the Tour de France. Parham, known for his dynamic performance style, masterfully combines humour, poignant moments, and a touch of whimsy to create a rich, immersive experience. The show is a one-hander, with Parham embodying multiple characters and reciting various stories that highlight the significance of bicycles throughout different eras and societies. His versatility as a performer is evident as he shifts seamlessly between personas, bringing each character to life with distinct voices, mannerisms, and emotional depth. The transitions are smooth and often infused with a comedic touch that keeps the audience engaged and entertained. A standout aspect of Symphonie of the Bicycle is its innovative use of multimedia. Projections, soundscapes, and music are cleverly integrated, enhancing the storytelling and providing a dynamic backdrop that complements Parham’s physicality. The sound design, in particular, deserves special mention for its ability to evoke the sensation of […]
May 1, 2024
Adelaide has now been privy to not one, but two huge productions about the lives of the greatest rock and roll stars ever lived. This almighty production of Tina – The Tina Turner Musical will have you weeping in your seat, and dancing in the aisles. First developed in 2016 with book by Katori Hall, Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins, Turner and her husband Erwin Back both served as Executive Producers to ensure the truth and integrity of her life story. Tina – The Tina Turner Musical electrifies the stage with a powerful portrayal of the iconic singer’s life, delivering a captivating blend of music, drama, and inspiration. As the curtains rise, the heartbeat of her hit ‘Simply the Best’ with the 80s Tina sitting cross legged chanting before going on stage hits the core. The audience is transported through Turner’s remarkable journey, from her humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to her meteoric rise to stardom and her triumphant emergence as the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. One of the most astonishing aspects of the […]
June 26, 2023
Class of Cabaret began in 2010 under the artistic direction of David Campbell at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival to provide a learning opportunity for talented and passionate secondary students to share their perspective on life through the art of cabaret performance. Now it’s fourteenth year, Class of Cabaret provides an expert team in the form of an experienced accompanist, a leading vocal teacher and mentorship from two renowned Adelaide artists to help these students explore issues and ideas to use the medium of cabaret to be a voice for their generation. Class of Cabaret shines a spotlight on tomorrow’s promising young stars. Two spectacular shows were staged, and I got to see the half of these young entertainers at the 6pm session. This year’s expert team comprised of mentors Joanne Hartstone and Mark Oates, director Brock Roberts, vocal coach Rosie Hosking and accompaniment and musical direction by the incredibly talented Ciara Ferguson. They opened with a group number, a medley/mash up of Cyndi Lauper’s True Colours and Sara Bareilles’ Brave before the first performer, Lillian […]
June 24, 2023
Eleven O’clock on the Dot celebrates the classic momentous songs that occur before the curtain closes on the second act. Iconic Broadway hits which usually establish the revelations and epiphanies of the main character. Philippa Lynas, a local girl come good, has created a brilliant in development showcasing all the unforgettable eleven O’clock numbers from the 1940s to current Broadway. Lynas, who spent 10 years in New York studying at the prestigious American Musical and Dramatic Academy and then went onto to perform at quintessential venues such as Radio City Music Hall, Carnegie Hall as well as lead vocalist for Cirque du Soleil, performs all the hits and has the audience singing along, and eating out of the palm of her hand. Starting with the title track of 42nd Street, Lynas smacks us in the face her outstanding jazzy pipes, but with highly trained classical undertones. We move through the Golden Age and the big brassy numbers, purely with Lynas on lead vocals, her incredible backing singers, Ben Francis [of The 60 Four fame] and […]
June 18, 2023
One of the things I love about the Adelaide Cabaret Festival is the unique and exclusive glimpse we have into new or developmental works. The Fig Tree by Gillian Cosgriff is one of those. With her famously sharp-witted lyrics and on the nose musical comedy, she presented a first reading of her brand new musical, The Fig Tree. Partly inspired by Enid Blyton’s The Magic Faraway Tree, and a Sylvia Plath quote from The Bell Jar, Cosgriff workshopped scenes and songs with three other local artists over 5 days to bring excerpts of this new work exploring relationships, choice, irresolution, monogamy, figs, parallel universes and love. The tree in question is both representational and physical, and as we learn with each fig plucked from the tree, an alternate universe is created for both the female characters. Showcasing Cosgriff as the protagonist, Liv, Jamie Hornsby as her loving and homely partner Tom, Lachlan Williams as the young summer love Elliot and Philippa Lynas [and her pipes!] as Liv’s recently divorced sister, Tess, these four embodied the […]
February 17, 2023
What an explosive way to open the season State Theatre Company South Australia! Edward Albee’s The Goat or, Who is Sylvia? is probably one of the strangest theatre experiences I’ve come upon. But would we expect anything less from the playwright who brought us The Zoo Story and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? If you are wanting fascinating, intriguing and boundary pushing, then Albee’s your man. Albee adds the subtitle: Notes towards a definition of tragedy. The word tragedy is derived from the Ancient Greek word tragoedia which literally means goat song. The fundamentals of Greek tragedy are dotted throughout The Goat – violating the laws of human order, protagonists, usually powerful men or women, suffer not from moral flaw, but from error of judgement, the use of the Chorus who comment on the action of the story and give voice to the experiences before them. The Goat starts off conventionally and realistically, set in the stylish, geometric living room designed by Jeremy Allen. Heading up the family is Martin, played with astonishing ease by […]
January 2, 2023
What a way to ring in the New Year at the fabulous Adelaide Festival Theatre, watching the opening night of Hairspray! Based on the 1988 film, written and directed by John Waters, this revival is true to the original Broadway version. A dramatic departure from Waters earlier works, the film was a moderate success, however, became a cult film in the 90s. In 2002, the film was adapted into a Broadway musical of the same name, which won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, in 2003. In 2022, Hairspray was selected for preservation in the US National Film Registry as being ‘culturally, historically or aesthetically significant’ Hairspray is an American musical with music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, with a book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan. Set in 1962 Baltimore, Maryland, the show follows self-proclaimed ‘pleasantly plump’ teenager Tracy Turnblad as she pursues stardom to dance on The Corny Collins Show, a local TV dance program based on the real-life Buddy Deane Show. When Tracy wins a role […]
November 13, 2022
Written by highly acclaimed author Michelle Law and first commissioned by and premiered at La Boite Theatre Company in Brisbane in 2017, Single Asian Female tells the knowing story of Pearl, the quintessential matriarch, balancing family, business, and her love of karaoke. Set inside the humble family restaurant on the Sunshine Coast, The Golden Phoenix, Pearl and her daughters are at a crossroads. Zoe, the eldest, is in the throes of online dating, and having a quarter life crisis. Typical teenager Mei, is struggling with her identity in modern Australia, trying to get ready for her formal and fit in with the cool crowd. Of course, they see the world differently to their mother. Pearl is the classic (hilarious) onslaught of embarrassing observations, constantly questioning her Westernised children. But she holds a secret that threatens to tear their family apart. Brilliantly directed by Nescha Jelk (Euphoria, Jasper Jones), she ensures this work never turns into a cartoon of stereotypes, but retains the authenticity and accurate portrayal of these first and second generation Australians. As a […]
October 15, 2022
With much hype and enthusiasm, Dolly Parton’s 9to5 The Musical arrived in Adelaide to golden sparkles and bold colour. Based on the hit 1980 film of the same name, with music and lyrics by Parton herself, book by Patricia Resnick [the original screenwriter of the movie], this musical is [surprise, surprise!] still pertinent today – 40 years after it’s release. Originally pitched by Jane Fonda to make a political statement about women’s rights at the time, but make it comedy so it is more palatable, it follows the work lives of aspiring CEO Violet Newstead, Southern Belle Doralee Rhodes and newly divorced Judy Bernley. Increasingly anxious and annoyed with their misogynistic boss Franklin Hart Jnr they come together to take control of their office with uproarious results! Opening with the massive 9to5 sign and a big ‘wahoo’, Dolly Parton herself introduces the show via recorded video projection with some fun references to Adelaide. Leading into her hit song ‘9 to 5’ and joined by the rest of the cast, Parton makes appearances throughout the show, […]
October 12, 2022
‘Men don’t just naturally not love – they learn that too’ Every now and then, a piece of theatre will come along that will emotionally hit you like a slap to the face, with the sensation lingering long after. Larry Kramer’s Tony Award winning, The Normal Heart is one such play. Kramer himself founded the first AIDS organisations, the Gay Men’s Health Crisis [GMHC] in 1981 followed by ACT UP in 1987, and became known for his passionate and provocative style of advocacy. His real-life experiences were dramatized in The Normal Heart, which premiered Off-Broadway in 1985 to critical acclaim and an explosion of controversy for the way in which it depicted the New York mayor and other notable real figures. Largely autobiographical, The Normal Heart focuses on the rise of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in New York City between 1981 and 1984, as seen through the eyes of writer/activist Alexander ‘Ned’ Weeks, along with his friends and frenemies. Prolific and multi award winning director Dean Bryant’s resolution of this work is probing and penetrating, and […]
June 21, 2022
Hayden Tee (Ngāti Kahungunu), best known for his award-winning portrayal of Javert in the Australian, New Zealand, Broadway, West End and Dubai productions of Les Misérables and for playing Ms Trunchbull in the West End production of Matilda the Musical, brings his out-of-the-pandemic, solo show to the Adelaide Cabaret Festival for one night only. With an introduction stating he is just like Jessica Rabbit; ‘he’s not bad, he’s just drawn that way’ – this sentence carries the very important message that threads through the show’s songs and storytelling. Bad Guy is an impressive musical plunge into the concept of villainy, as Tee shares his own personal journey in lifting the colonial cloak of shame and proudly embracing his own Takatāpui identity and celebration of his culture. With an absolutely exquisite live symphonic accompaniment, Tee pulls and weaves, peeling back the layers of some of musical theatre’s most detestable characters to really examine what is good and what is bad. Beginning with a sensational re-imagining of Michael Jackson’s ‘Bad’, his rich and luscious sound reverberates through […]
March 27, 2022
The Variety Gala, a highlight on the entertainment calendar brings together a smorgasbord of local and international talent that makes up the Adelaide Cabaret Festival. While held earlier in the year for the first time, [blame a little show called Frozen for that] this did not deter the droves of punters ready to devour the tastings on offer for 2022. Hosted by the sarcastic and sardonic Paul McDermott, who scrubbed up quite nicely after a shave and haircut since I last saw him, the night’s theme was decadence, magic and revelry. This was hurled at us in spades. Isaac Hannam, began with an enigmatic welcome to country before throwing open the stage to the incomparable and iconic Tina Arena. I must admit, I’ve never seen her sing live in the flesh, and boy oh boy, is she worth waiting for. This years Artistic Director was silky and soulful and everything you expect from the star. Singing classics ‘Church’ and ‘Burn’ she was both gloriously effortless and sophisticated while ferocious and unstoppable at the same time. […]
May 27, 2019
Bringing my nearly 11 year old son, who has just moved schools and is making new friends, to a one woman show about the trials and tribulations of a young girls journey from childhood to adolescence, seemed very timely and opportune. I remember my twelve year old self as slightly sensitive, hopeful, emotional and enthusiastic and I suspect, after a few personal conversations with my own pre-pubescent son, he feels the same. Internationally acclaimed solo performer, Mary-Frances Doherty gives a remarkable and real performance of 12 year old Katie, who is very happy we all could attend her birthday party. She is disappointed her best friend, Tracy, couldn’t come – she was busy making an appearance at another party. To begin with, Katie is very flippant about Tracy not being able to be there, but by the end, she is openly and visibly upset; the least she could do was answer her calls, like her posts or share her videos! In a vulnerable, exposed and intimate horseshoe setting, we are thrown together to celebrate Katie’s […]